For months, curvy, free-form bookshelves have been worming their way into design magazines. At first, I struggled with the idea. It seemed to remove most of the utility from the shelves. I have a lot of books, most of them dog-eared paperbacks or tomes entitled "Idiot’s Guide," so I have to be practical about storing/hiding them.

On the other hand, now that I see these lovely photos from **Terramia** I am warming to the juxtaposition of the impractical form with the utilitarian function. I’ve always thought that great decorative detail is not only beautiful, but functional, like a contrasting thread used to sew a button onto a plain white shirt, or a sculptural vase.

The free-form bookshelf is essentially practical art. It gives a long, blank wall purpose and color while utilizing some of the space for storage. Can’t complain about that.